How IT Teams Can Boost Resiliency Through Leadership and Teamwork

A robust Information Technology (IT) infrastructure is the backbone of any successful business. But what happens when that backbone is challenged? A power outage, a cyberattack, a supply chain interruption, or even a simple human error can cripple operations, can lead to significant financial losses and reputational damage. That’s why building a resilient IT infrastructure is paramount, and it requires leadership and a collaborative approach involving, at minimum, your Business Continuity, Cybersecurity, Cloud and Infrastructure teams.

Building a Resilient IT Infrastructure

Historically, these teams often operated in silos, focusing on their specific areas of expertise. However, this compartmental approach can create vulnerabilities and gaps in your resilience posture. A robust business continuity plan may be challenged if the cybersecurity team hasn’t adequately protected against ransomware, and a state-of-the-art infrastructure is meaningless if it’s not aligned with the organization’s recovery objectives. True resilience requires these teams to work together, forming an unbreakable chain of defense.

So, how can these teams effectively collaborate? It starts with shared understanding and communication driven by IT leadership. Regular cross-functional meetings with defined roles are crucial for discussing potential threats, vulnerabilities, and recovery strategies. Each team brings unique insights to the table. The Business Continuity team focuses on the overall impact of disruptions and the recovery timeline. The Cybersecurity team identifies and mitigates potential threats, protecting against data breaches and system compromises. And the Infrastructure team ensures the underlying technology can support both day-to-day operations and disaster recovery.

By working together, these teams can develop a holistic approach to resilience. For example, during the development of a disaster recovery plan, the Cybersecurity team can identify critical systems that require prioritized recovery, while the Infrastructure team can ensure the necessary resources are available in the backup environment. Similarly, when implementing new security measures, the Business Continuity team can assess the impact on recovery procedures and adjust plans accordingly.

This collaborative approach also fosters a culture of shared responsibility. When each team understands how their work contributes to the overall resilience of the organization, they are more likely to be proactive and identify potential issues before they escalate. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the impact of disruptions and minimize downtime.

Consider the following:

• Business Impact – IT resilience should be viewed through the lens of business impact, not just technical considerations, meaning teams need to prioritize systems and data that directly affect critical business functions. Do you have an updated Business Impact Analysis (BIA)?
• Be Proactive – Building resilience is not just about disaster recovery plans, but also about proactive measures like risk assessments, vulnerability management, and continuous improvement practices. Do you perform tabletop ransomware exercises? 
• Collaboration Culture – Creating a culture where different teams collaborate and share responsibility for resilience is crucial. Do you have employee MBOs in place to promote collaboration?
• Metrics and Monitoring – Implementing key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure resilience levels and identify areas for improvement is essential. Are you measuring resilience in your organization today?

Ultimately, building a resilient IT infrastructure is an ongoing process. It requires leadership, continuous communication, collaboration, and adaptation. By breaking down silos and fostering teamwork between the IT teams, organizations can create an ever increasing chain of defense, ensuring they can weather any storm and emerge stronger than ever. This integrated approach is not just best practice, it’s a necessity in today’s complex and ever-evolving technological landscape. Sayers has expert resources in business continuity, cybersecurity, infrastructure and cloud to assist your resilience initiatives. Reach out to us today to discuss.